Allan: “Western Isles are getting ripped off” 23/9/10
The "discriminatory" transmission charges which penalise energy developments in the Highlands and Islands should stop says isles MSP Alasdair Allan.
He says the Western Isles are “getting ripped off” under the present charging methods which increases an extra levy the further away generators are from the main markets in the South of England.
Alasdair Allan commented: “For years now there have been serious concerns about the impact of the current OFGEM charging model on renewable energy generation.
“The SNP has been pressing for a new system for a long while now which would recognise the need to end the current ludicrous situation where energy generators in the north of Scotland and the islands have to pay to get access to the grid, whilst generators in the south of England effectively receive a subsidy.
“This is despite so much emphasis being placed now on renewable energy generation, much of the potential for which is in remote areas of Scotland – this cannot be fair.
"Scotland, and particularly the Highlands and Islands, have huge renewable potential but must have a fair access to the system to allow decent access to the national grid.”
Mr Allan says the launch of a charging review from OFGEM is long overdue.
He said: “I will now be pressing for a system which allows renewable energy in the Highlands and Islands to compete on an equal footing with projects elsewhere.
“This will, I believe, encourage communities to invest in renewable schemes instead of penalising them.”